Aug.25 (GMM) Nico Hulkenberg on Tuesday clarified that while linked with struggling Luca Badoer's Ferrari seat, there has not yet been any contact with the Italian team.

His manager Willi Weber, who famously also handles the career of Ferrari's preferred Felipe Massa substitute Michael Schumacher, is quoted as saying the young GP2 points leader "would actually be the logical solution" should Badoer continue to trail the pace.

Hulkenberg, 22, told the German news agency DPA that he is "ready" to make the step up to F1.

"It is wonderful to hear that you are mentioned but there has been no contact from or with Ferrari," he insisted.

Especially due to his strong GP2 campaign so far, meanwhile, Hulkenberg - currently Williams' test driver - estimates his chances of a full-time place on the F1 grid next year as "realistic".